Thursday, May 30, 2013

Over Memorial Day we went backpacking in the Sierras. This was my first real backpacking trip on over 20 years! We had a BLAST!!! I thought it would be fun to make the children lanyards for the trip. I bought felt stickers at Joann Fabrics and glued pins to them. Throughout the trip the children earned pins to put on their lanyard. I also attached a whistle to the end - just in case they got lost or saw a bear :)

Here is how you can make one - they are super easy!! (excuse my ironing board cover - I need to get a new one!)

BEFORE YOU SEW THE ENDS TOGETHER.....slide a keychain ring or D-ring onto your lanyard.

Now, unfold the ends and pin them right sides together. Sew a 1/4" seam and press the seam. Then refold the lanyard and give it a final press.

Top stitch all the way around the lanyard on both sides close to the edge. Making sure the seam is at the back of the neck, s

lide your D-ring or keychain to the opposite end and sew a little square with an "X" to secure. (See photo below for placement)

Last year, I sewed all these lanyards for Girl's Camp. They are lots of fun to make - you can choose any fabric - you can even piece the fabric if you have time!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

I bought new bedding for my bedroom! That is always a big deal for me! Are you like me & need like 5 pillows to sleep??? Which means I needed more pillowcases then the 2 that came with the sheets. I got out the box of vintage sheets and came up with these!

This is how to make them: (this will make 1 standard size pillow)

Cut the main fabric on the fold measuring 21" high and 26" long (fold is on the long side)

I used the lace ruffle off a different sheet. I cut this 1 1/2 inches away from the ruffle seam.

Sew it to the edge of your pillow fabric. Press seams. The lace on the sheet was super crooked. I came up with a way to cover it up.

I bought this bolt of lace in the LA fabric district. 50 yards for $15!! I will be using it on everything!!

Sew the lace covering the seams.

After the trim is sewn on, fold the pillow right sides together and sew the 2 sides. I didn't sew French Seams, I just zig zagged so it wouldn't fray.

I love how they turned out! So does Marbles! He loves my new bedding and sleeps there everyday now! The quilt is Tahari from TJ Max, sheets are from Target. I was hesitant about buying sheets from Target. I LOVE these! They have super deep pockets and a double row of elastic to keep the sheets in place. And they are super soft and comfy! The quilt at the bottom of the bed was $16 at Home Goods!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I am participating in "The Easiest Sew-Along Ever" over at Windsor & Main. This dress is my project. It began with a big box of vintage sheets.

I narrowed it down to a pink set of sheets. I bought these at a thrift store in Virginia when I was out there for spring break. I love them! The fabric is so soft. I also had this pillow case with embroidered kitties on it. The pillowcase had stains on it. I decided to make a little apron for the dress using the kitties.

The apron is attached to the dress. I also added some crochet lace to the hem of the dress. The tie of the dress is made using a white sheet. This dress is 100% upcycled!!! I love it!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

I made these cute quilted placemats for the Therm O Web booth at Quilt Market! Click HERE to visit the Therm O Web blog and to see the full tutorial!! I love Therm O Web products - they have a fantastic blog with tutorials everyday! I love being a part of their design team!!

Friday, May 17, 2013

If you are joining me from the Blogger's Quilt Festival - Welcome to the Jedi Craft Girl Blog! I am Amanda and I love sewing and quilting and crafting and creating!!

This is my quilt entry in the "Wall Hanging Category" This cute little bird quilt measures 32" x 37" and I do hang it on my wall. I originally created it for Valentine's Day. I loved it so much and the colors work in my house that I still have it up!!

Most of the fabrics are Moda. I machine appliqued the birds, hearts, and tree and I quilted it on my machine.

I love that the applique is not perfectly centered and it has a scrappy feel!